The Young man
Louis Washkansky was the first patient to successfully receive a human heart transplant. He was born in 1914 In Lithuania, where he lived till the age of 9. His family moved to Cape Town in 1922, to join his father who was already living in South Africa. Upon arrival in South Africa, Louis’s father opened a grocery store, that soon became the staple of the neighborhood. Louis took over the store from his father. He was an active member of the community, well respected by those visiting his shop.
Louis was a great admirer of wrestling and weightlifting, even coaching youths at the local wrestling club. In 1940 he enlisted in the South African Armed forces as part of the Engineering Corps. During the Second World War, he fought in North Africa against the forces of Italy and Germany. He fought alongside his best friend, Solly Skal, who described him as “Courageous, but with a soft heart.”
The Illness
After the war, Louis married the sister of Solly, Ann Washkansky (nee Skal). He’s happy and active life was soon halted by his first heart attack in December 1960. For seven years he struggled with severe heart problems, which influenced many parts of his life. This was aggravated by his third heart attack in 1965. His heart was failing fast. He was referred to Prof Barnard in July 1966, who performed various examinations and tests. It was determined that no other procedure can be performed that will increase his heart health.
He was finally committed to Groote Schuur on 14 September 1967, the Jewish New Year. It was determined that his heart was only functioning at 10%. After his admission, Louis went into a diabetic coma but later regained consciousness.
